Curious anecdotes and musings on what makes us 'us'

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I’ve just discovered this fascinating incident in the wonderful ‘Kilvert’s Diary’ written by a cleric in late 19th century Wales: Friday 8 April 1870 In the green lane between York and Cefn y Fedwas I came upon Smith of Wemwg hedging. He told me that a child had arrived at Pen-y-worlodd and wanted to know … Continue reading →

This is the second time Liam Neeson has played a 17th century Jesuit priest, but this is a far cry from his role in The Mission. The film opens with him watching his fellows being tortured for refusing to recant their faith. Adam Driver and Andrew Garfield were his students, inspired to follow him to … Continue reading →

What happened to objects when Henry VIII closed the monasteries? This is an area of history that is often ignored or the subject of guesswork, especially in England where there was so much destruction of religious artefacts at the long drawn-out Reformation. But here’s some thoughts. Every church that conducted masses had to have a … Continue reading →

Here’s a very odd image from Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum: It shows the brothers of the fraternity of the Madonna f Humility gathered round conducting the offices of the dead for their patron. Here’s the full image:

Most cities have a cathedral, you can expect it to be biggish, ancient and full of dead worthies and their memorials. But Liverpool was a small town until the 18th century when it became a major port, and since then there have been a lot of Irish immigrants, so they have a catholic cathedral, so … Continue reading →

After my post on the glass exhibition, here’s some more images of the cathedral which is absolutely huge. I can well imagine how this place inspired thoughts of higher things as well as reminders of those who have gone to a hopefully better place. Cadaver tombs were sometimes combined with images of a bishop in … Continue reading →

A parson was not just tending his country flock; he also had land and animals to manage, a William Holland writes: “Monday 26 May 1800 The cow being furious for a bull got out of the Churchyard and ran toward Mr Rich’s. Robert [his servant] went after her ad I too marched down stirs in … Continue reading →

Here’s some more from Parson William Holland’s Diary: “Thursday November 21 1799, A great Revolution once more in France, that rascal Beunoparte [sic] is returned from Egypt having stolen away from the Army and left ’em to Old Nick. Met two Mis Rollins from Stowgursey. They were dressed very smart yet trudging along in the … Continue reading →

William Holland was writing at a very bad time in England – French were revolting, as were the poor, and the Established church was struggling against the rise of Methodism: Sunday May 11 1800 My Little Boy is up, loud and noisy but I have forbidden his dum being a Sunday. My wife takes Physick … Continue reading →

I’ve unearthed another gem of local history, Paupers and Pig Killers, The Diary of William Holland, A Somerset Parson, 1799 – 1818. Holland was far from a dusty vicar. He had lost 4 of his 5 children to Scarlet Fever, but then his wife produced a son on whom William doted, with frequent proud mentions of … Continue reading →